On 2013-10-10 17:51, geno11x11 wrote:
>
> Some really great suggestions! I really like the idea of a
> second root partition – not sure how grub will deal with two boot
> partitions, but I will look into that further. There is sufficient
> unpartitioned space available on sda.
I just did it today. In my case, I have the first installation grub to
call the other installation grub. The configuration for the second (from
memory):
Do not write generic mbr code
Do not install grub to the mbr
Boot from root partition only
do not boot from mbr, extended part, etc.
er… I think I forget one. :-?
Do not change partition activation mark.
(The actual wording is different)
Some people install, say, version 1 in one partition, and a year later
install version 2 on another partition; the migrate things from one to
the other, or revert to the previous version which is untouched on the
first partition, if things do not work. When the version 2 works, they
make the computer boot that partition by default.
One way to achieve that is having both root partitions as primary; put
generic boot code in the MBR; boot from root only (as the other
paragraph above); and write the active mark to partition 1 or 2 to
select which one is the primary system.
And a year later, they install version 3 on top of what was version 1,
round again. Or if version 2 failed, they install on top of it.
(It is the poor man alternative to have two alternating computers)
> I’m curious about robin_listas comment about 12.1. The .iso is available
> and I already have a DVD ready to go – What is the significance of EOL
> if the resources are available?
EOL stands for end of line or end of life. That release is no longer
supported, repositories are being removed as soon as the people handling
them have time to do so. Probably the official repos may be available
for some more time (years) on some mirrors that keep a copy of old versions.
Do not waste time installing it, it is a dead end - unless you do so as
a step to immediately upgrade to another version.
On the other hand, 11.4 has been selected by the Evergreen people for
extended support. You can keep using it for about a year; but you must
activate the evergreen updates repo.
> …and yes, I read the offline upgrade
> document. I recall following a very similar document for an upgrade a
> few years back. I saw some good tips in there, but also some that appear
> to be beyond my knowledge and experience, so I’ll need to invest more
> time to familiarize myself in those weak areas. But “-the most annoying
> bugs” -document is a fantastic resource! I will definitely go through
> all of it in preparation for the next upgrade.
The document is unfinished, there are some sections I still have to
write. Sigh…
> I’ve been enjoying the new features in 11.4 and the prospect of further
> joy is tugging at me. The idea of the second root and a clean install
> on a separate drive
Or same drive. Just another partition.
> in preparation for the upgrade is intriguing. I’m
> convinced those two ideas alone would make life much more pleasant. When
> I can afford to down the system again for a few days I’ll start
> implementing your suggestions.
Good - just ask questions if all is not clear 
–
Cheers / Saludos,
Carlos E. R.
(from 11.4, with Evergreen, x86_64 “Celadon” (Minas Tirith))